Preform machine



l. G. BRENNER PREFORM MACHINE Dec. 6, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed March 4, 1952 49 @WNW 45 25 ons: -b a o u o 86 5 4 6 G z N AT TOR NE'YS- l. G. BRENNER PREFORM MACHINE Dec. 6, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 4, 1952 INVENTOR. /m/v Gf 5gg/VME@ ATTORN EYS.

Unit@ This invention relates to an improved preform machine of the type in which bers are caused to'v be evenly spread about a suitable form and further treated while maintained in uniform position. My machine is particularly adapted to the handling of glass bers and the like which are properly dispersed about a form and-then treated with a hot plastic solution and permitted to cool.

It is an object of my invention to provide a machine of the type described in which there are provided a pair of interchangeable operating stations.

An additional object of my invention is to provide novel means for insuring proper distribution of the ibers, said means including an element adapted to cause initial dispersion of the fibers as they enter the treating cham..- .ber.

Another object of this invention is to provide, in con- States Patent() nection with certain turntables, means to separately ro.- y

.tate each turntable when vin position within the treatf ing chamber and means to insurethat fibers do not clog the working parts.

A further object of this invention is to provide novel means for rotating each turntable when moved into operating position.

Yet vanother object of this invention is to provide novel means for maintaining a rotating -turntable in proper relation to a reciprocable table. t

Another object of this invention is to of the type described in which the air supply ing chamber may be eas-ily regulated..

Still another object of this invention is to provide a relationship between a stationary treating chamber and prov-ide apparatus to the treatf a reciprocable table having rot-ating turntables mounted therein whereby the table may be moved yfrom one of its positions to the other without interfering with the Substantially Closed nature of the .treating chamber...

Other Objects and advantages of my' tiriverlti'ou will become apparent to the worker skilled inthe art durins the Course f the .fGllowiug description and from reference tothe accompanying drawings in which like numerals are employed Ato designate like parts throughout the same and in which: f'

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine constructe according to my invention. y

Figure 2 is a plan view of the machine as show-n in ,the relative position of Figure 1. I' y Figure 3 is a front elevation of the machine with -the reciprocable table in a position other than disclosed in Figure 1 and with the door to the treating chamber shown in its open position.

Figure 4 is a plan view o f the machine when in the relative position o f Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the reciprocable table.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of the reciprocable table.

Figure 7 is a section taken on the lines 7..-7 of Fig ure 4.

Figure 8 is a section taken von-'the lines 28.--8 of Figure 7.

atented Dec. 6, 1955 Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the ber distributor employed in the machine of this invention.

Figure l() is an enlarged, sectional view showing the detail as to a manner of supporting a rotatable turntable within the reciprocable table.

Figure 11 is a plan View showing one manner of rotating each turntable when desired.

Figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing further detail of the modification of Figure l1.

Figure 13 shows rather diagrammatically another einbodiment of the manner in which the respective turntables may be rotated.

Figure 14 illustrates the use of the'fiber distributor of Figure 9 in a system designed to form a mat on a continuously moving flat conveyor.

Figure 15 is a sectional View showing an alternative construction which may be employed with the Wall 33 and,

Figure 16 is a sectional view showing an alternative construction which may be employed with the partition members 44, 45 or 46.

Referringnow to Figures 1 through 4 it will be observed that my machine is comprised of a base section generally indicated at 20, an upstanding treating section generally indicated at 21 and a reciprocable table generally indicated at 22, there being a pair of rotatable turntables 24 and 25 located within this table. Perforated members 26 and 27 are located on the turntables 24 and respectively. These members will be discussed in greater detail further on in this specification.

The treating chamber is comprised of opposite side walls 28 and 29 and a top portion Sli. Located within the top 30 is a discharge nozzle 31 through which the glasstibers or the like are initially introduced into the interior of the chamber. A fiber distributor 32 is located beneath the nozzle 31 directly in the stream of fibers being discharged. This distributor 32 is shown in detail in Figure 9. i

The distributor 32 is comprised of a cone shaped member 33 in which there are ridigly mounted a plurality of spike like elements 34. These elements 34 are disposed about the cone in staggered relationship. The cone 33 is driven through a pair of gears, not shown, connected to the shaft 35 which is actuated by the motor 36. A bearing for the shaft 35 is illustrated at 37 in Figure 8. As also shown in this figure the motor 36 is mounted adjacent the rear wall 38 of the treating chamber.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 it will be observed that the rear wall 38 of the treating chamber is provided with a relatively narrow opening 39 which may be regulatedby a hinged flap 40 located within the chamber. Also located on the rear wall 38 are a plurality of discharge nozzles 41 by means of which a suitable hot plastic or other desiredl treating solution may be sprayed onto the ylibers collected about the preform member mounted on the particular rotatable turntable then located within the Y chamber.

The lvent 39 may also be regulated by a member such as is shown in Figure 15. In place of the adjustable flange 4t) a friction held, slidable' clip 40a may Vbe employed. The opening 39 may be made larger or smaller by moving the clip 40a down or up respectively, as desired.

Referring again -to Figure 7 it will be observed that the side walls `28 and 29 extend only part Away towards the table and associated base structure. Hinged aps 42 and 43 respectively are provided along the bottom edges of the side walls `28 and 29. The reciproeable table 22 is provided with three upstanding partition members 44,745 and 46, each of a height just sulicient to pass under the' hinged joint of the member 42 or 43 as the case may be. f The members 44 and 46 are formed with inwardly bent. flanges 47 and 48 respectively. The partition member 4 5 is yprovided with a pair of anges .49 and 50. The

various flanges 47 through 56 may be fixed and rigid in construction, or they may be constructed in a manner sirn ilar to the construction of clip 40a of Figure l5.

When the table 22 is in the position shown in Figure 7 it will be observed that the flange 45 of the member 46 abuts the ap 43 while the flange 49 of the member 45 abuts the flap 42. This arrangement provides a nice juncture between the upstanding partition members of the table 22 and the side walls of the treating chambers 28 and 29. When the table is moved to its right hand position, speaking with respect to the machine as shown in Figure 7, the ange 50 will contact the flap 43 and the iiange 47 will contact the ap 42 and the above set forth junctures between the partition members and side walls will again be effected. Thus it will be observed that the table 22 and its associated partition members actually cooperate with the side walls 2S and 29 in order to form the complete treating chamber.

The front of the treating chamber, as viewed in Figure 1, is provided with a vertically slidable door 51 having a vent 52 and a window 53. The door may be raised and lowered by grasping the handle 54. This may be a hinged door is desired. As shown in Figure S a flap 55 is hingedly located behind the vent 52. The ap 55, as well as the ap 40, may be maintained in any desired position by means common in the art. The purpose of these aps is to regulate the amount of air that may pass through either the vent 52 or the vent 39 as the case may be.

The bottom closure for the treating chamber will be comprised of a portion of the reciprocable table 22 and the particular turntable moved into position at a given time. It is contemplated, however, that the partitions 44, 45 and 46 be provided with vents located directly adjacent the upper surface of the table 22. This permits air to be drawn in near the bottom of the treating chamber as will be described in greater detail further on in the specification. These vents may also be regulated by adjustable clips such as is shown at 45a iu Figure 16.

As seen in Figures 5, 6 and 7 the rotatable turntables 25 and 24 are comprised of disc members located within appropriate apertures provided in the table top 22. In Figure I have illustrated how such a turntable may be supported within its appropriate aperture. It will be understood that the structure described in connection with this figure is repeated for both turntables.

For purposes of illustration the support of the turntable 24 is indicated in Figure l0. It will be observed that the turntable 24 is comprised of a depending rim 56 and a bottom disc member 57. The rim 56 and disc 57 may be secured to the turntable 24 by means of suitable brackets and the like. It should be noted that the turntable 24 itself extends a substantial distance past the rim 56 so as to provide an overhanging lip.

Fixed to the table portion 22 proper, and disposed about the circular opening within which the turntable 24 is to be maintained, are a plurality of brackets 58 which form bearing members for the shaft 59 of a plurality of rollers 60. Brackets 61 may also be provided to center the turntable 24 within the appropriate opening if desired. It should be noted that this structure permits the turntable 24 to be rotated within the table 22. As above mentioned, a similar arrangement is provided for the turntable 25.

As perhaps best seen in Figure 7 the discs 57 and 62 of the turntables 24 and 25 respectively are provided with central openings. Each of these discs is, around its opening, provided with a bearing surface projecting downwardly. Such surfaces are indicated at 63 and 64. The function of these surfaces and their cooperation with particular gasket means will be described shortly.

It will be observed from Figure 7 that the table 22 and associated elements is mounted for reciprocation on tracks 65 by means of grooved wheels 66. In the lower portion of the base structure a motor 67 is mounted. This motor drives a chain 63 which cooperates with a lug 69 fixed to a portion of the table 22. The motor 67 is Of the reversible type and it will be evident that as its direction of rotation is changed the table will be moved to and fro along the rails 65.

Also xed beneath the table 22 within the base structure 20 is a fan 70 mounted on a shaft 71 and operatively coupled to the driving shaft of a motor 72. The fan is provided with a substantially air tight housing 73. The upper portion of this housing is provided with an aperture corresponding to that provided in either the lower disc 57 or 62 of the turntables 24 and 25 respectively. About the perimeter of the opening provided in the housing 73 there is a gasket 74. This gasket is of sufficient size to bear against either the surface 64 or 63 of the discs 62 and 57 respectively. In some instances this gasket may be omitted if there is a close enough tit between the parts. Thus when the table is in the position shown in Figure 7, the gasket 74 effects a substantially air tight connection between the housing 73 and the turntable 25. The fan 70 is so mounted as to draw air through the treating chamber in the manner indicated by the arrows in Figure 7.

The turntables 24 and 25 may be rotated in different ways. In Figure 6 there is shown a separate motor for each of the turntables. Thus it will be observed that a motor 75 drives a belt 76 which passes around the rim 56 of the turntable 24. In this connection see also Figure 10. A motor 77 is similarly arranged for the turntable 25. It will be understood that suitable contact switches may be located within the base structure 20 so that the motor 75 or 77, as the case may be, is actuated only when the turntable is in position beneath or within the treating chamber.

Another manner of driving the turntables is indicated in Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment one motor 78 serves to drive each of the turntables when it is in position within the treating chamber. To this end the motor 78, see especially Figure 12, drives a member 79 to which there is secured a resilient ring of friction material such as rubber or the like; this is indicated at 80. When, for example, the turntable 24 is within the treating chamber, the member 8i) will bear against the rim 56 of the turntable 24 and thereby drive same when the motor 78 is actuated. When the table is reciprocated and the turntable 24 replaced by the turntable 25 this latter turntable will be driven in similar manner. In each case the depending rim of the upper surface of the turntable is simply brought into contact with the friction driving member 80.

In Figure 13 I have diagrammatically illustrated yet another way of driving whichever of the turntables it is desired so to do. In this embodiment a motor 81 is secured tothe base structure. The particular structure to which the motor is directly fastened is pivotally secured as at 82. Thus it will be observed that the motor 81 is mounted on a frame member 83 which is pivoted at 82 to a portion of the main structure 20. A spring 84 is fixed to the frame portion 20 and abuts the member 83. Also fixed to the member 83 are a pair of pulleys around which passes a belt 85. The pulleys and belts are driven by a pair of mitre gears through the motor 81. If desired, a gear motor may be mounted with a vertical shaft and the external minor gears eliminated. The belt 35 is so located as to abut the rim of either of the turntables 24 and 25 when they are brought into proper position. The spring S4 insures a rm contact between the belt and the rim which it contacts while at the same time the pivotal connection 82 insures that the table may be easily reciprocated in such manner as to place either of the turntables 24 and 25 within the treating chamber. The rim of the turntable 25 is indicated at 56a.

As mentioned earlier the members 26 and 27 may be of any shape desired. It should be observed, however, that these members will in all cases be perforated and also they will be provided with throats 86 which just nicely t within apertures provided in the turntables 24 and 25.

These form. members 26 aud 27 are the members about which it .is desired to gather in even fashion the glass ,fibers and the like which are discharged in the treating chamber through the nozzle 31.

It should be observed at this point that the turntable 24 or 25, as the case may be, is located within an apen ture provided in the table 22, which aperture is somewhat larger than the upper disc member forming the topmost part of the particular station in question. Thus there will be an air gap between the outer edge of the upper disc member and the table 22 as dened by the aperture. Any fibers which would normally tend to fall into this space and thereby cause a possible jamming of the turntable are kept from doingV this by reason of the fact that actuation of the fan 70, as will be described more fully shortly, results in air 'being drawn from the lowennost portion 2t) of the machine up through the space between the portions just mentioned whereby the fibers are continually pulled from such area. This is indicated by the arrows in Figure 8.

The operation of this machine may be described as follows. Suitable form members 26 and 27 are fitted within the apertures provided in the top surfaces of the turntables 24 and 25. The table 22 isfactuated so as to bring one of these form members and associated turntable within the treating chamber proper. As described earlier, the chamber is substantially closed by coaction between the upstanding portions 44, 45 or 46 of the-table and the side walls 28 and 29. The motor '72 is actuated and the fan 7i) thereby started. Fibers are discharged into the treating chamber lthrough the nozzle 31 and are caused to be Widely scattered by the violent action of the distributor 32 as driven by the motor 36. f

The amount of air to be drawn along with the fibers may be regulated by adjustment of the ilaps 40and 55, see especially Figure 8. As the fibers are discharged into the chamber and scattered about by the distributor 32, the fan 70 creates a vacuum or suction effect which draws these fibers in even manner about the form 26 or 27 as the case may be. Any fibers that may tend to fall clear of the member 27, for example, and thereby tend to cause a jamming between the turntable 25 and the table 22, are pulled clear from the point of juncture of these members by action of the fan in drawing air from the lower base part of the machine as well as from the upper portions of the treating chamber. As earlier indicated air will also be drawn through slots located -in the table partitionmembers at the bottom thereof.

A spray of suitable treating solution will then be discharged into the chamber via the various valves 41 as desired. When enough of the fibers and solution have been distributed about the form members, the motor 67 will 'be actuated and the table reciprocated along the track 65 so as to move one of the form members-out of the chamber and to bring the other member within the chamber. Then, while the process just described is being repeated, the member first treated may be removed or subjected to further operations as desired. In this manner no waste time occurs.

lt should be observed that also in connection with the operation of this device the individual turntables are rotated while the fibers are being distributed thereabout. And as before mentioned, there are several ways in which this rotation may be obtained. I prefer that shown in Figure 13 wherein a belt 85 is caused to contact the depending rim of the turntable and, when the motor S1 is actuated, thereby effect rotation of such turntable. If it is desired to get at the form member while it is -within the treating station it is always possible to raise the door 51. Also, the window 53 permits the operator to observe the operating conditions within the chamber.

- in Eijgure' 14` I have illustrated lanother use of the novel distributor 32'Shown in. detail' `irileiaure 9,. lu this. system the fibers are again discharged through a' nozzle 3l Cil.

into contact with the distributor 32. vThese fibers are then directed onto a continuously moving conveyor diagrarnmatically illustrated at 87, Because o f the excellent distributing effect obtained by the novel member 32, I am able to obtain an even distribution of the fibers on the conveyor where this has heretofore not been possible.

It is to be understood that modifications may be made in the structures comprising my invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof and while I have `shown this invention as embodied in certain specific structures, it is to be further understood that such exemplary structures arenot to be considered a limitation onmy invention except insofar as they are speciflcally included in the sub-joined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claimvas new and what I desire to protect by United States Let-ters iatent is:

l. In a preform machine of the type described, a base section, a forming chamber mounted on said base section, a reciprocable table mounted for movement in said base section beneath .said forming chamber, means to reciprocate said table, means in said chamber for discharging fibers thereinto, a rotatable turn-table mounted in said table, means to rotate said turntable, a perforated form member on said turntable, and means to d raw air Afrom said .chamber through said form member and turntable, whereby fibers introduced into ysaid chamber are caused to adhere to said for-m member when said turntable is disposed within said chamber and while said turntable is being rotated, said air drawing means comprising a housing ixed in said base section below said reciprocable table and directly beneath said forming ehambena fan in said housing, a motor .for said fau, .and a substantially air tight connection between said housing and said turntable when said turntable vis between said forming cham? ber and said housing..

2. A machine according to claim 1 in which said ber discharging .mea-us comprises .e discharge orifice, a rotatable ,distributor located in the stream -issuing from said Orifice, and means to rotate said distributor, said distributor comprising a rotatable member to `which there are secured `a lplural-ity of spikes extending radially therefrom.

3. A machine according lto claim l in which said-turntable ,comprises a ,disc having a central opening toreceive a portion of the form member, said table having an aperture larger than said disc, and a plurality of rollers supported from said table, disposed about said aperture and underlying the outer edge of said disc, whereby said station is supported for rotatable movement with respect to said table.

4. The machine of claim 3 in which said dise has adepending rim offset from the outer edge thereof, and in which said means for rotating said turntable comprises a belt contacting said rim and a motor driving said belt.

5. The machine of claim 4 in which said motor is fixed to the base section below said table and in which said belt `is pivotally mounted, and a spring urging said beltaganst said rim, whereby said turntable may be moved into and out of position below said forming chambensaid spring yielding to permit said turntable to pass.

6. The ,machine of claim 3 in which Said dise has a depending .rim onset from the outer edge thereof, and 4iu which said means for rotating said turntable comprises a motor, a member driven by said rnotor, and a resilient friction member fixed to ,said driven member and contacting said rim.

7 A machine according to claim l in which there is a second rotatable turntable mounted in said table, each of `said turntables comprising a disc having a central opening adapted to receive a said form member, said table having a pair of apertures each large enough to receive a said disc, and a plurality of rollers supported from said table, .disposed about each of ,said apertures and underlying .the Aouter edge of the respective disc therein, whereby each of said turntables is supported for rotatable movement with respect to said table.

8. The machine of claim 7 in which eachy of said discs has a depending rirn offset from the outer edge thereof,

the means for rotating said discs comprising a pair of motors mounted on said table, each motor driving a belt contacting the rim of one of the turntables whereby to drive same.

9. The machine of claim 7 in which each of said discs has a depending rim offset from the outer edge thereof, a motor fixed in said base section, a member driven by said motor, and a resilient friction member fixed to said driven member and located so as to contact the rim of whichever turntable is positioned beneath said forming chamber.

10. The machine of claim 7 in which each of said discs has a depending rim offset from the outer edge thereof, a frame member pivotally mounted in said base section, a motor fixed to said base section, an endless belt mounted on said pivoted frame member and driven by said motor, and a spring fixed to said base section and contacting said pivoted frame member so as to urge said belt into driving contact with the rim of whichever turntable is located beneath said forming chamber.

1l. A machine according to claim l in which the side walls of said forming chamber depend to a position substantially removed from said table, said table having a plurality of upstanding panel members, a pair of said panel members cooperating with said side walls to effect a substantial closing of said chamber.

12. The machine of claim ll in which the top edge of each of said panel members is provided with a hinged flap vertically adjustable with respect to said edge whereby the amount of closure between said panels and said chamber side walls may be varied to form horizontal slots of different size for the introduction of air into the forming chamber.

13. The machine of claim 12 in which the front and rear walls of said forming chamber are provided with slots extending substantially thereacross and located in substantially the same plane passing through the horizontal slots defined by the side walls and the panel members, whereby the periphery of said forming chamber is provided with a series of slots about all but a very minor portion thereof and located at substantially the same distance above the table.

14. The machine of claim 13 in which each of said panel members and said rear wall and said front wall cooperate with said table to provide a transverse slot adjacent the table and extending substantially the full width of the respective panels and Walls, and means to vary the size of said slots.

15. The machine of claim 11 in which each of said panel members cooperates with said table to provide a transverse slot adjacent the table and extending substantially the full width of said panels, and means to vary the size of said slots.

16. A machine according to claim 1 including means for discharging a fluid into said treating chamber above said form member.

17. ln a preform machine of the type described, a base section, an upstanding forming chamber mounted on said base section, a reciprocable table mounted in said base section for movement beneath said chamber, said table supporting a pair of rotatable turntables, means to move said table so as to bring said turntables alternately beneath said chamber, means to rotate that turntable which is beneath said chamber, fiber discharging means located in the upper portion of said chamber, a perforated form member mounted on each turntable,

and means to draw air from said chamber through a said form member and its respective turntable, whereby fibers introduced into said chamber are caused to be disposed about said rotating form member, said air drawing means comprising a single fan located Within a housing fixed in said base section directly beneath said forming chamber, and means to effect a substantially air tight connection between the periphery ofV whichever of said turntables is beneath said chamber and said housing.

` 18. The machine of claim 17 in which each of said turntables comprises an upper disc member having an opening to receive a portion of its respective form member, a depending rim adjacent the outer edge of said upper disc member, and a lower disc member secured to said rim and having an opening therein, the means to effect said substantially air tight connection comprising means on said lower disc member about its said opening to abut the said housing about an opening provided therein substantially registering with said lower disc opening.

19. The machine of claim 1 in which there is a second rotatable turntable mounted in said table, and in which said air drawing means alternately serves each of said turntables, the substantially air tight connection between a said turntable and said housing being breakable to permit reciprocation of the said table and the said turntables mounted therein.

20. In a machine of the type described, a base section, a reciprocating table, and a forming chamber having a substantially rectangular periphery when viewed in cross section, said chamber having side walls terminating above said table and having also front and rear walls terminating adjacent said table, said table having up-standing panel members of a height to pass under said side walls, each of said up-standing panel members having adjustable means thereon for forming air in-take slots of varying size between said panel members and said side walls when said panel members and said side walls are brought into registry.

2l. The machine of claim 20 in which said front and rear walls and said panel members cooperate with said table to provide slots adjacent said table, and means to adjust the size of said last mentioned slots.

22. The machine of claim 21 in which said front and rear walls are provided with slots located at the same level as those slots defined by said side walls and said panel members, and means to vary the size of said last mentioned slots also.

23. In a machine of the type described, a forming chamber, a perforated form member located at the bottom of said chamber, said chamber having at least two series of air intake slots disposed about its periphery, one of said series being located adjacent the bottom of said chamber and the other of said series being spaced thereabove, a distributor located in the upper portion of said forming chamber directly in the path of fibers introduced into the machine, means to rotate said distributor at rela tively high speeds to disperse widely said fibers about the upper regions of said forming chamber, and means to draw air into said forming chamber and through said form member, such air entering through said series of slots, whereby the fibers dispersed by said distributor are disposed evenly about said perforated form member.

24. The machine of claim 23 in which said perforated form member is mounted on a turntable and means to rotate said turntable during disposition of said fibers about said form member.

25. The machine of claim 23 including means to regulate the amount of air drawn through said series of slots.

26. The machine of claim 23 in which the bottom of said chamber comprises a reciprocable table, said first mentioned form member and another said perforated form member both being mounted in said reciprocable table so that first one end then the other of said form members is beneath the confines of said chamber.

27. In a preform machine of the type described, a base section, a forming chamber mounted on said base section, means to discharge fibers into said forming chamber, a spiked distributor to receive said fibers, means to rotate said distributor to disperse said bers and to break up and separate the individual filaments thereof,

a rotatable turntable mounted in said chamber, means to rotate said turntable, a perforated form member on said turntable, series of slots disposed about the periphery of said chamber, and means to draw air into said chamber via said slots and through said form member and turntable, whereby fibers introduced into said chamber are initially broken up and dispersed and then caused to adhere to said form member while said turntable is being rotated.

28. The machine of claim 27 in which said turntable comprises a disc having a central opening to receive a portion of the form member, said disc seating Within an aperture provided in the floor of the forming chamber, and a plurality of rollers supported from beneath said oor, disposed about said aperture and underlying the outer edge of said disc.

29. The machine of claim 28 in which said disc has a depending rim offset from the outer edge thereof, and in which the means for rotating said turntable comprises a belt contacting said rim and a motor driving said belt.

30. The machine of claim 29 in which said belt is pivotally mounted, and a spring urging said belt against said rim.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,229,791 Birdsall Jan. 28, 1941 2,577,784 Lynam Dec. 11, 1951 2,587,814 Borkland Mar. 4, 1952 2,639,759 Simison May 26, 1953 

